Police warning and advice after increase in evening home burglaries across Northampton

Northamptonshire Police says it is seeing an increase in the number of burglaries across Northampton between 5pm and 10pm with a common method being rear entry, smashing through glass doors or patios, and stealing jewellery and cash.

Historically, burglaries also increase during the winter months as thieves are able to “use the cover of darkness to hide”.

Burglary Team Detective Sergeant Gav Suttie said: “In an ideal world we would not have to issue crime prevention advice and I want to be clear that the only person to blame when a burglary happens is the offender.

“Unfortunately though, there are people who would look to use the cover of darkness to burgle people’s homes, however by taking a look at our crime prevention tips below, you will give yourself a better chance of not becoming a victim.

“If your property looks empty, this can be attractive to burglars so when you are not there, consider leaving lights or the TV on and prevent easy access to your back garden through locked gates.

“This year, the clocks go back on Sunday, October 27, and we want to encourage the public to be alive to any suspicious activity in their local area.

“This could be anything - from unfamiliar people being seen frequently on CCTV or doorbell footage, to vehicles driving up and down roads repeatedly and in a suspicious manner.

“As a burglary team, we are working hard across both the west of the county and the north, to bring burglars to justice, however we also want to remind people of the crime prevention measures they can put in place to make sure their home is as safe as possible.”

Over the last week, there has also been a spate of overnight burglaries of businesses. M&S Foodhall in Sixfields, Subway in Billing, Starbucks and McDonald’s in Kettering Road were all targeted in the early hours of Thursday October 3. These incidents are also linked to a burglary at Genevieve's Cafe in Pineham Village in the early hours of October 6.

Toolstation in Moulton Park and Greggs in Billing have also been targeted in the last week, but are not believed to be linked.